by Karen Abrams, MBA EdD ’25
Guyana has the potential for major economic development, and its citizens both at home and abroad have shown remarkable energy, enthusiasm, and achievement. With the projected oil funds on the horizon, the future looks bright. However, it is important to recognize that being on the cusp of greatness is not an achievement in itself. The nation faces a risk of pervasive anger, growing division, and civil strife, all of which could negatively impact the peace and stability necessary for the investment needed to ensure Guyana’s development.
Members of the Guyanese diaspora, who have long been committed to contributing to the peace, stability, and educational empowerment of our fellow citizens hope to be allowed to continue to contribute to the building of a platform upon which the nation’s leaders can stand to guide our citizens towards economic development and improved living conditions.
Guyana’s potential is evident and has gained worldwide recognition, yet the future we desire for our children and grandchildren remains perilously out of reach. A sizable portion of the population remains apprehensive about the current events unfolding. The actions of some public and private sector leaders could result in instability and resentment, which are detrimental to foreign direct investment and overall economic progress. It is crucial for our leaders to strive towards a future where all Guyanese have equal access to opportunities and justice under the law, as this approach is not only politically sound but also economically prudent. With so much at stake, smart leaders will prioritize the welfare of the entire Guyanese population.
Guyana is operating in a new world and facing possibilities and challenges never before experienced by any other government in our nation’s history. As a result, the previous acrimonious and divisive politics are not practical or suggested for the present time. Furthermore, given the small population of the nation, it is essential that all Guyanese citizens cooperate and provide support if the country is to thrive. With trillions of potential dollars at stake, it appears illogical to me as an outsider-insider that any individual or group of Guyanese would choose to adopt a strategy of biased exclusion of any group of citizens at this critical juncture, as there is just too much to lose.
Guyana, with its rich diversity in flora, fauna, and its people, it’s proximity to the US and it’s English speaking population, is a small enough nation, a nimble enough nation, to make the changes necessary to be a model of success to the world. Our leaders must embrace a big vision of conciliation, unity, inclusion, and merit. From all quarters, our leaders must rise to the challenges of development and inspire all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, to contribute to the progress of our great nation.
The nation needs to heal. Our people need to be united. We all need to be working diligently to prepare for development, and that requires that our leaders engage us with a big vision and inspire us all to contribute meaningfully and equally to the vision.
Today, we stand on the cusp of greatness, but slippery slopes are all around us. Whether we progress or regress depends on the actions of our leaders on all sides of the political divide. They should be talking and compromising, making deals that say to the world, “the people of Guyana are able to solve their conflicts, the nation will not devolve into massive civil strife, so feel free to come in and invest with us, your investments will be safe.” The future of Guyana could be very bright.
